Phone: (845) 257-3460
Location: Coykendall Science Building, Room 48
Web Address: www.newpaltz.edu/comm_media 
The Journalism major offers students practical training in how to gather and write news, as well as a theoretical understanding of how the news media operate in American society. The program focuses on developing skills that will prepare students for careers in media and public relations.
Students in news writing courses work in computer laboratories, writing stories under deadlines. In other classes they edit and design publications on state-of-the-art computers. All journalism students are required to complete an internship. Many do so at the Legislative Gazette, a weekly newspaper in Albany. The Gazette, which has a full-time professional editor, readies students for the work force, where more than one-third of the nation's economy is now centered on the processing of information.
Students who select a concentration in public relations take a combination of theoretical and practical courses in journalism, ethics, persuasion, media and advertising, as well as public relations. The concentration prepares public relations practitioners to become communication experts within corporate, non-profit and government organizations, and public relations agencies. Students learn how to write and design public relations materials and how to plan public relations campaigns and special events. Both oral and written communication skills are emphasized. Learning how to conduct research is also an important component. Students who wish to concentrate in Public Relations must have a 2.50 GPA to enter the program.
Students may not receive a grade lower than "C-" in any course considered part of the student's major program.
Journalism Program:
